The Jayhawks’ loaded roster should ensure a 15th straight Big 12 title, but Kansas fans are hungry for a national championship. This could be their first since 2008. On paper, the Jayhawks have the needed blend of experience and star freshmen to win it all. Seven-foot junior center Udoka Azubuike (13 points, seven rebounds per game) and senior guard Lagerald Vick (12.1 points) are the top returners, and Dedric Lawson, a 6-foot-9 junior forward who transferred from Memphis, could be a significant difference maker. Coach Bill Self’s fifth-ranked recruiting class includes five-star guards Quentin Grimes and Devon Dotson.

The Wildcats have one of the strongest frontcourts in the nation with Stanford graduate transfer Reid Travis and sophomore forward PJ Washington. The 6-8 Travis was a first-team All-Pac 12 selection last season after averaging 19.5 points and 8.7 rebounds. The 6-8 Washington averaged 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds as a freshman. Kentucky can turn to three former five-star point guard recruits in sophomore Quade Green and freshmen Immanuel Quickley and Ashton Hagans. Kentucky doesn’t have that one standout star like some seasons, but the Wildcats have an abundance of depth that can carry them far.

The Blue Devils may have assembled one of the best freshman classes in history. Forwards RJ Barrett, Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish and guard Tre Jones were all ranked among the top 15 in their class, with Barrett the consensus No. 1 recruit — and the projected No. 1 NBA draft pick next year. Duke will have a new starting lineup led by versatile and savvy youngsters. As long as they can handle the pressure, expect the Blue Devils to make it to Minneapolis.

The Bulldogs are coming off their fourth straight Sweet 16 trip, and this season’s team has the ability to match the 2016-17 squad and make it all the way to the final game. Losing leading scorer Johnathan Williams will certainly hurt, but Gonzaga has a pair of NBA prospects in the frontcourt in 6-10 junior Killian Tillie (12.9 points per game) and 6-8 junior Rui Hachimura (11.6 points) and returns senior Josh Perkins (12.3 points, 5.3 assists) and sophomore Zach Norvell Jr. of Simeon (12.7 points) in the backcourt.